I was told that at work the other day. Have you ever noticed that men are rarely told such things? When’s the last time a man was told,
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You’re being hysterical.
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You’re rocking the boat.
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You’re overreacting.
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You have strong opinions.
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Just shut up and take it.
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I’ll tell you when you can speak.
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You’re taking things too seriously.
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You’re too emotional.
Men are allowed to defend themselves. Their anger is tolerated. They can interrupt. They can explain. Their opinions are welcomed. It is assumed that they’re intelligent, rational, and have earned their confidence.
No matter the injustice that is dumped upon the head of a woman, she is expected to be quiet. She is always getting just what she deserves. She was asking for it. She is mentally off for being angry or upset about poor treatment.
Just for having the nerve to defend myself, I’ve gotten all that push back and then some. And I’m the one who pushes? I’m so pissed off right now. But that’s probably because I’m a girl. Perhaps I should just lie back and think of England.
